Important Voting Information from your MEC Government Affairs Committee

Date:
March 31, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has touched every part of our daily lives. Monitoring the crisis changes by the hour and as such we must also prepare for the inevitable impact it may have on our 2020 elections; specifically, the impact posed to voter turnout, access to the polls, and ballot processing.

We have already witnessed disruptions to the campaign season. From Rallies being canceled or postponed, state primaries delayed and the possibility of calling off the parties’ nominating conventions. Several states have postponed their presidential primary. These States are Ohio (Ohio’s governor and Secretary of State are currently seeking to postpone theprimary to June 2. Gov. Mike DeWine moved to push back the state’s election on Tuesday over Coronavirus concerns, but a judge rejected the request. It was unclear if voting would go forward.), Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana and the territory of Puerto Rico (postponed until April 26th).

The Coronavirus is not a political issue. But the fact remains that presidential primaries are in process and the general election is coming up. Therefore, the COVID-19 crisis may directly affect our fundamental right to vote.

The very nature of our jobs makes it challenging to vote on Election Day. The Coronavirus crisis is moving rapidly and with uncertainty. Flight Attendants may be unable to vote in person because of illness, taking care of others or even government-imposed restrictions.

Given these possibilities, we need to make it as easy as possible for eligible voters to vote by mail in 2020 and to prepare for a likely surge in absentee ballots.

How to Vote by Mail

It’s easy to request an absentee ballot and there’s still time to do so even for most states with upcoming primaries to apply to vote absentee. If your State is not listed in here, please visit vote411.org for information. You can also get information on how to receive your absentee ballot at vote.org.

Please be aware that public health officials recommend that you not lick absentee ballot envelopes. Use a wet sponge or cloth to seal them.

Personalized Voting Information

We also urge you to visit www.vote411.org for all the voting information you may need. This website will allow you to register to vote, check your voter registration status, and find what’s on your ballot. If you have any questions, please contact your Local Government Affairs Committee or email the MEC Government Affairs Committee at legislative@unitedafa.org.